Olympus SP-570 UZ 'superzoom' camera

This puppy packs a protruding 20x zoom

The super macro function lets you take shots when the camera is just 1cm away from an object

The camera tracks the fast moving car well, but the images suffer as the shutter speed is increased to 1/1000sec and the ISO boosted to 640

Colour, resolution and contrast were good and noise was minimal up to ISO 400 – few would be disappointed by the SP-570 UZ’s picture performance. So, what do we make of this ultra zoom camera? If you’re looking for a camera with an extra-long zoom and delivers very good picture quality, then look no further. But we’re not sure how many people this camera will appeal to.

It’s too big for the point-and-shoot photographer looking for a compact, idiot-proof camera, but at the same time, photo enthusiasts will want to plump for a full-blown DSLR, especially as entry-level prices are now much more affordable.

Verdict

A camera that plants a foot in both the DSLR and compact digital camp. Its 20x zoom and super macro mode are superb, but handling could be improved and we’re not sure who this camera will ultimately appeal to.